Hardwood Pallets

Hardwoods like oak provide superior strength and nail-holding capacity for heavy or repeated-use pallets, while softer woods keep costs down for single-use or lighter loads. Most GMA standard pallets use a mix of hardwood and softwood lumber to balance durability, weight, and cost depending on the application and load requirements.

Stringer pallets use parallel wood boards (stringers) supporting the deck, typically allowing forklift entry from two or four sides with notching. Block pallets use wood or composite blocks at the corners and center, enabling full four-way forklift and pallet jack access, making them ideal for automated material handling systems and heavier loads.

Yes, if you're exporting goods internationally on wood pallets, ISPM-15 heat treatment is required by most destination countries including Canada, the EU, China, and Mexico. Non-compliant wood packaging risks rejection at port-of-entry, return shipment at your expense, or destruction, making proper HT stamping essential for export logistics.

Yes, custom pallets can be built to specific dimensions, load ratings, and lumber grades beyond standard sizes like 48x40 or 48x48. This is useful for products with non-standard footprints, specialized equipment, or unique warehouse racking systems that require precise pallet dimensions for efficient storage and handling.

The GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) standard pallet measures 48x40 inches and is the most widely used size in the U.S. It's compatible with most warehouse racking, forklifts, and shipping containers, making it the default choice for food, beverage, retail, and general distribution operations across the supply chain.

New pallets offer maximum structural integrity and are recommended for heavy loads, food-grade applications, or export shipments. Used/recycled (remanufactured) pallets provide a cost-effective option for internal warehouse use or lighter loads, having been inspected and repaired while maintaining adequate load-bearing capacity for general handling.